Why on Earth Do People Use Bitcoin?
Business & Bankruptcy L.J., Forthcoming
10 Pages Posted: 25 Jul 2014 Last revised: 14 Aug 2017
Date Written: 2014
Abstract
Bitcoin is making near-daily headlines, whether about its volatile exchange rate, the regulatory issues is raises, or its criminal associations. As the public becomes familiar with the idea of virtual currencies, many people struggle to understand why users exchange government-backed (“real”) currencies for Bitcoin. This paper explores the appeal and danger of investing in Bitcoin for speculative gain, for moral purposes, for its spending power, and for its criminal applications.
Keywords: bitcoins, virtual currency, invest, investment, digital currency, exchange, Silk Road
JEL Classification: A1, K2, K4
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation